Get the App
Better experience on mobile
Save money or upgrade to superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and battery life with these top earbuds that rival AirPods Pro across budgets and ecosystems.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are popular for their seamless Apple integration, solid active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, and spatial audio, but at $249, they're pricey and ecosystem-locked, prompting many to seek alternatives. Users often look elsewhere due to high cost, desire for better ANC or sound on non-Apple devices, longer battery life, customizable EQ, or wider codec support like LDAC for Android. Availability shortages and the need for workout durability or open-ear designs also drive searches.
When choosing an alternative, prioritize ANC strength, battery life (buds + case), fit/comfort, water resistance (IPX rating), app controls/EQ, microphone quality for calls, and ecosystem perks like multipoint Bluetooth or fast pairing. Sound profile matters—AirPods favor balanced Apple-tuned audio, but rivals excel in bass, clarity, or audiophile detail. Consider your primary device: Android users want Google Fast Pair or Samsung Seamless Coded Union.
Our top recommendations span budgets: budget picks like Anker under $100 deliver 90% of the features; value leaders like Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 match price with extras; premiums like Bose or Sony outperform in ANC/sound. Budget options suit casual listeners; premiums for travelers/commuters; Android-specific for Galaxy/Pixel owners; audiophile picks for music lovers.
At a fraction of the cost, Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC punches above its weight with adaptive ANC up to 49dB (nearly matching AirPods), 10-hour battery (ANC on) + 50 total from case, IPX4 rating, wireless charging, and LDAC for high-quality streaming. Features include 22 EQ presets via Soundcore app, transparency mode, multipoint pairing, and heart-rate monitoring via app. Key advantages: 5x longer battery, deeper customizable bass, cheaper replaceable tips, and better value for features like in-ear detection. It excels in everyday use and workouts but sound is bass-heavy vs. AirPods' neutral profile. Limitations: Mic quality average for calls, no spatial audio, plastic build feels less premium. Ideal for budget-conscious commuters, students, or gym-goers wanting AirPods-like ANC without the premium price. Approximate price: $80-$100.
Key Difference: Offers comparable ANC and 5x the battery life for a third of the price, making it unbeatable for value.
Price: $150 cheaper
Sony's WF-1000XM5 true wireless earbuds set the benchmark with class-leading ANC powered by dual processors and foam tips for 2x better noise isolation than AirPods Pro, blocking up to 52dB of sound. They offer hi-res LDAC codec for Android, customizable EQ via Sony app, 360 Reality Audio spatial sound, 8 hours battery (ANC on) + 24 more from case, IPX4 water resistance, multipoint Bluetooth, and excellent call quality with AI noise reduction. Advantages over AirPods include superior sound detail/clarity, deeper bass, better fit options, and wireless charging case. It differs with more granular controls but lacks Apple's H2 chip seamlessness. Trade-offs: bulkier case, no U1 ultra-wideband tracking, slightly higher latency for gaming. Best for Android/iOS users seeking premium ANC and audio fidelity without ecosystem lock-in. Approximate price: $250-$300.
Key Difference: Delivers unmatched ANC and hi-res audio support that outperforms AirPods Pro in noisy environments and music quality.
Price: $50 more expensive
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds redefine ANC with Immersive Audio (spatialized sound) and CustomTune tech that auto-calibrates to your ears, blocking more low-frequency rumble than AirPods Pro (up to 87% noise reduction). Specs include 6-hour battery (ANC/Immersive on) + 18 more from case, IPX4, aptX Adaptive codec, Snapdragon Sound, multipoint, and top-tier call mics. Advantages: Unrivaled ANC for flights/trains, richer 3D audio, stability bands for secure fit. It surpasses AirPods in noise blocking and comfort for long sessions but case is larger without wireless charging standard (optional). Trade-offs: Shorter battery per charge, higher price, no Apple Find My native. Perfect for frequent flyers, office workers in noisy spaces, or Bose loyalists prioritizing isolation over ecosystem perks. Approximate price: $280-$300.
Key Difference: Provides the strongest ANC available, ideal for extreme noise environments where AirPods fall short.
Price: $50 more expensive
Optimized for Galaxy devices, Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro feature Galaxy AI for real-time translation, adaptive ANC (up to 2x better on Samsung phones), 6-hour battery + 26 total, IP57 dust/water resistance, 24-bit hi-res audio via SSC codec, and blade design for secure fit. Advantages over AirPods: Superior Samsung integration (auto-switch, 360 Audio), better waterproofing for workouts, virtual surround sound. It differs with AI features like Interpreter mode but lacks Apple spatial audio seamlessness. Trade-offs: ANC weaker on non-Samsung, stem design divisive, shorter talk time. Best for Android/Samsung users wanting ecosystem parity with extras like voice detect (pauses on speaking). Approximate price: $230-$250.
Key Difference: Seamless Galaxy ecosystem integration with AI features and higher IP rating tailored for Android power users.
Price: Similar price
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer Tensor A1 chip for AI ANC (twice as strong as predecessors), Gemini AI assistant, 8-hour battery + 30 total, IP54 buds/IPX2 case, multipoint, spatial audio, and Clear Calling 2.0 with mics rivaling AirPods. Key wins: Tight Google Fast Pair/auto-switch, excellent fit/stability, conversation detection pauses music. Beats AirPods in battery, Android optimization, and value at near-identical price. Differences: More conversational AI, but sound less dynamic without EQ tweaks. Limitations: No LDAC, Apple pairing basic. Suited for Pixel/Android users or mixed ecosystems seeking balanced performance without overspending. Approximate price: $200-$230.
Key Difference: Tensor chip enables smarter AI features and better call clarity optimized for Google ecosystem at a slight discount.
Price: $20 cheaper
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 prioritize sound with aptX Lossless/Adaptive, 7.3-hour battery + 30 total, adaptive ANC, IP54, Qi wireless charging, and Smart Control app for 5-band EQ/presets. Advantages: Audiophile-grade detail, wider soundstage, natural tuning vs. AirPods' processed sound; better for lossless streaming. Excels in music genres needing clarity/separation. Trade-offs: ANC good but not Bose-level, pricier, bulkier. Best for music enthusiasts on Tidal/Apple Music wanting neutral, high-fidelity audio over gimmicks. Approximate price: $270-$300.
Key Difference: Superior lossless audio codecs and neutral sound signature for true hi-fi listening unmatched by AirPods.
Price: $50 more expensive
Beats Studio Buds + provide Apple-friendly features like Find My, Spatial Audio, one-touch pairing at a discount, with ANC, 9-hour battery + 27 total, IPX4, multipoint, and USB-C case. Advantages: Cheaper Apple integration, longer battery, color options, Android support via Beats app. Better value for basics without Pro-level ANC. Trade-offs: Weaker noise cancel, no adaptive transparency, bass-heavy sound. Ideal for iPhone users wanting savings or as backups. Approximate price: $150-$170.
Key Difference: Full Apple compatibility with Spatial Audio and Find My at nearly half the price for ecosystem loyalists.
Price: $80 cheaper
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Sony WF-1000XM5 Rank #1 | — | N/A | Check price |
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Rank #2 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A | Check price |
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Rank #3 | — | N/A | Check price |
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Rank #4 | — | N/A | Check price |
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Rank #5 | — | N/A | Check price |
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Rank #6 | — | N/A | Check price |
Beats Studio Buds + Rank #7 | — | N/A | Check price |
